In a signing day switch-up, LJ Martin signs with BYU instead of Stanford
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- If you live in El Paso and know anything about high school football, you'd know the name LJ Martin.
The four-star running back from Canutillo has shined for the eagles over the years, producing scintillating football every Friday night but now it's time for him to take his talents elsewhere.
On national signing day in front of an auditorium filled with family, coaches and classmates Martin put on a BYU cap and simultaneously surprised the majority in attendance.
“Once you put your name on the dotted line, everything is set," LJ Martin said. "It just feels great to have all the pressure relieved and it’s a blessing.”
Last summer Martin announced his commitment to Stanford and was set on going there until then head coach David Shaw parted ways with the Cardinals. That was around the same time BYU officially offered Martin.
"With a lot of the coaches leaving I had to reopen my decision and go look for what the best opportunity was for me," Martin said. "Taking the visit down to BYU I just really enjoyed my time there I feel like the running back room just meshed really well together, it was one of the best times I had on an official visit."
There's no question BYU is getting a good one! Martin in his career at Canutillo rushed for 6,000 yards, scored 56 touchdowns, had over 600 carries with just the one fumble and of course led the team to back-to-back Class 5A Division II Regional Semifinals.
Martin hopes he'll be able to continue his success at the next level.
"They expect me to be a contributing part to their offense," Martin said. "They said there's no reason why I shouldn't be able to see some playing time on the field."
BYU joins the Big 12 next season which means Martin could very well find himself playing against another former El Paso football star in Jeremiah Cooper when the cougars play the Cyclones on Nov. 11, 2023.
